Week 15 Players to Start and Sit
This is the Fantasy Nerd's look at the best and worst matchups for Week 15 of the 2023 NFL season. Analysis is aggregated from multiple sources including FN. Rankings are based upon PPR (point per reception) scoring. Given the known conditions, these matchups are the ones to watch and/or avoid.
Please Note: This list does not generally include the elite players that you are going to start regardless of matchup. You don't need us to tell you to start Tyreek Hill, Patrick Mahomes, or Christian McCaffrey. Instead, we take a look at other players on your team that we believe either have great matchups or should be avoided for multiple reasons. Factors like opposing defense, performance trending, and peer comparisons may influence our decisions.
Start 'em Matthew Stafford (LAR, QB)He may not have lit the fantasy world up this season, but Matthew Stafford has looked great over the last three games putting up 23 points each of those weeks. Now he'll get a Washington defense that has struggled mightily to contain quarterbacks. Even Tommy DeVito put up 22 points against them. In fact, nobody gives up more points than the Commanders. Stafford is a great option - especially if you've recently lost the services of C.J. Stroud or Justin Herbert.
Start 'em Jordan Love (GB, QB)After three straight games of at least 20 fantasy points, Jordan Love disappointed fantasy owners Monday night when he put up a stinker of 8.9 points. He should rebound nicely this week against the Bucs who just gave up 25 points to Desmond Ridder last week. Tampa Bay is giving up the 5th-most fantasy points to the position making Love a QB1 for the start of the fantasy playoffs.
Start 'em Ezekiel Elliott (NE, RB)When given the opportunity, the Patriots fed Ezekiel Elliott last week and he delivered the points. He should be able to keep the points flowing against the Chiefs this week who have given up the 2nd-most yards per carry and rank in the middle of fantasy points surrendered. James Cook put up 25 points against KC last week. Zeke has an excellent opportunity to easily put up double digits.
Start 'em Raheem Mostert (MIA, RB)Even though he's losing carries to DeVon Achane, Raheem Mostert saw plenty of action last week rushing 21 times for 96 yards and two scores. He'll have a great chance at keeping the momentum humming as the Dolphins take on the Jets. Gang Green ranks inside the Top 10 for most points allowed to the position.
Start 'em D.J. Moore (CHI, WR)It's not often that you can overlook the defensive matchup, but we're willing to look past the Cleveland defense and start D.J. Moore. It has become plainly obvious that the Bears have to lean on the Fields to Moore connection to have a chance at winning. With three straight games of at least 22 fantasy points, Moore remained on fire last week even getting his first rushing touchdown of the year. While the defensive struggle will be real, Moore's involvement in this offense is significant enough to keep him in your starting lineup.
Start 'em DeAndre Hopkins (TEN, WR)Can they make it any more difficult for DeAndre Hopkins? Not only is he on a run-first team, but he's had to deal with multiple QB changes. Still, the veteran is on pace for another 1k yard season. He's also caught six of Will Levis' eight touchdowns. Even though the matchup is not great, Hopkins belongs in that low-end WR2 or Flex territory.
Start 'em Dallas Goedert (PHI, TE)It wasn't quite the bang that we were hoping for in Dallas Goedert's return last week, but he did catch all four of his targets. He's got a great chance to deliver this week against Seattle who just gave up 19.7 points and 16.6 points to Jake Ferguson and George Kittle the past two games.
Start 'em Miami Dolphins (MIA, DEF)This is a great matchup for the Dolphins. Not only has Miami been a Top 5 fantasy defense this year, but they are a must start against the Jets who give up the 2nd-most fantasy points to the position.
Start 'em Jake Elliott (PHI, K)One of the nice things about being on a powerful offense is that they can get into field goal territory with regularity. Elliott has made multiple field goals in consecutive games and gets a chance to continue that streak against a middling Seattle defense.
Sit 'em Kyler Murray (ARI, QB)Kyler Murray has averaged 17.8 points since returning to action this season, but we anticipate him struggling mightily in this one. The Niners have been tough against the run limiting Murray's rushing upside and have been relentless with their pass rush. They've surrendered the second fewest fantasy points this season to QBs.
Sit 'em Gardner Minshew (IND, QB)With injuries to the QB position, you may need to consider Gardner Minshew. Let's hope it doesn't come to that. The Steelers have been pretty solid against quarterbacks this season giving up the 9th-fewest fantasy points to them.
Sit 'em AJ Dillon (GB, RB)With Aaron Jones expected back this week, it's time to put AJ Dillon back on the bench. Dillon hasn't exactly been a solid producer in Jones' absence, so when we see a reduced role against a tough defense, it's not hard to see Dillon's fantasy value drop considerably.
Sit 'em Clyde Edwards-Helaire (KC, RB)We got to see a decent workload out of Clyde Edwards-Helaire last week as the top option in the KC backfield, but it only translated to 8.8 fantasy points. When the Chiefs got into the redzone, it was Jerick McKinnon that they trusted. Now, they'll face a Patriots defense that has been decent against the run keeping Saquon Barkley, Najee Harris, and Austin Ekeler to single digits.
Sit 'em Adam Thielen (CAR, WR)After posting 6.7 total fantasy points the previous two weeks, Adam Thielen put up double digits last week. Still, it wasn't what we were used to earlier in the season, nor can we feel confident in starting him this week. Atlanta has given up the 3rd-fewest fantasy points to receivers this year.
Sit 'em Gabriel Davis (BUF, WR)Last week's goose eggs left us with an empty feeling for Gabe Davis who has been hit or miss this season. This wasn't Davis' only goose egg as he did the same thing back in Week 9. It's going to be a tough matchup as the Cowboys give up the 6th-fewest fantasy points to receivers this season. Davis is a risky play - especially if this is the first week of your playoffs.
Sit 'em Hunter Henry (NE, TE)After a huge game last week, it might be tempting to chase those points by plugging Hunter Henry into your lineup. While it could happen, the odds are long and wildly against him repeating that performance against the Chiefs. Kansas City gives up the 6th-fewest fantasy points. In fact, the most points that they've given up in a single game all year has been a whopping 11 points.
Sit 'em Dallas Cowboys (DAL, DEF)We'd be lying if we said that we weren't conflicted about this one. Dallas has been an incredible fantasy defense this season. They did a fine job keeping Jalen Hurts contained last week. They could do it again against Josh Allen and the Bills this week but it's tough to count on it.
Sit 'em Matt Prater (ARI, K)The Niners present such a tough defensive challenge that just getting into field goal range can be a challenge. San Fran is giving up the 6th-fewest fantasy points to kickers this season. You can stream someone other than Matt Prater this week.
Join the Discussion
If asking a sit/start question, be sure to provide your scoring format and contribute to answering questions from other FN members as well.
jamisdiablo CommentedDec 14, 2023 11:54 pm
brutal, had lv def on the bench. have cleveland and atlanta too though for blocks. lol. love fantasy.
Ed Chan CommentedDec 15, 2023 3:47 pm
Lol. Go from scoring 0 points one week to 63 the next week? No one saw that one coming.
Nerd CommentedDec 15, 2023 4:04 pm
Agreed - that was a record setting game. If the Vegas sportsbooks didn't see that coming, nobody could.
Ed Chan CommentedDec 15, 2023 3:53 pm
Which TE to start, Goedert or Engram? Looks like Goedert has a better matchup compared to Engram, but the latter's been on a roll the last couple of weeks. Also, who to flex - A. Jones (assuming he plays and Dillon is out), Theilen, Doubs or CEH? Full PPR league.
Nerd CommentedDec 15, 2023 4:10 pm
For me, I would still start Engram. He's a big part of that offense. Goedert is good, but the return from injury and his role aren't where I see Engram's.
The flex question is tough. Doubs can have one big play that makes his day. Pacheco is out for this weekend, but CEH didn't wow anyone last week in the same situation. For me, it comes down to Aaron Jones and Adam Thielen - neither guy has done much lately to write home about, but perhaps it's the homer in me that wants Aaron Jones to finally bring it. Thielen has struggled as of late, and while he's probably the chalky pick here, I'm taking a chance on Aaron Jones. The only caveat here is if Jones is limited (snap count) which could certainly happen. Need to keep an eye on that status. Good luck!
jamisdiablo CommentedDec 16, 2023 9:48 am
completely agree with nerd here
Ed Chan CommentedDec 16, 2023 6:03 pm
Thanks Nerd! Good analysis. I've been hoping (and needing) A. Jones to step up as well. I have Pacheco and Jacobs and both are hurt. And now Moss is hurt. I need all the luck I can get!
Jon Syvertson CommentedDec 15, 2023 9:49 pm
Which 3 RBs do I start; Mixon, Mostert, Zeke, James Cook or Kamara. 1/2pt PPR. Also debating Olave (ankle) or Zay Flowers as my WR2. I’m playing against Lamar Jackson which makes Flowers more appealing
jamisdiablo CommentedDec 16, 2023 9:50 am
mostert, cook, kamara. start olave if he plays, if not flowers is a good alternative
mrock CommentedDec 16, 2023 10:42 am
Kamara, Mostert, Zeke
Olave if he plays
Hinzie22 CommentedDec 15, 2023 11:13 pm
Would you start Antonio Gibson or Calvin Ridley (.5 ppr)? And Cleveland or Atlanta Defense. Thanks!
jamisdiablo CommentedDec 16, 2023 9:49 am
calvin for me. washington is going to give rodriguez more carries this week. i have the same two defenses, coin flip to me.
mrock CommentedDec 16, 2023 10:42 am
Ridley and Cleveland
jamisdiablo CommentedDec 16, 2023 9:53 am
PPR, while he’s been a pleasant surprise so far, do i stick with sutton tonight or give scary terry one last
shot? i tend to stick with who
got me here, and that ain’t
terry. BUT, Jeff Mans made a compelling argument for him yesterday on his shoe so now i’m second guessing, never good. reassure me please… lol. thanks!
jamisdiablo CommentedDec 16, 2023 9:54 am
show. lol
mrock CommentedDec 16, 2023 10:43 am
I like listening to Jeff Mans but I would start Sutton
Nerd CommentedDec 16, 2023 10:49 am
I would also start Courtland Sutton. He just has a knack for finding the endzone. He's only had three games this year where he didn't score a touchdown. The Lions have given up the 4th-most touchdowns to receivers this year. Anything can happen (Scary Terry could go completely nuclear), but I like Sutton's odds.
Everett S CommentedDec 16, 2023 10:29 am
Which rbs to start in ppr league. K walker, n Harris, t spears, Jerick mckinnon
Everett S CommentedDec 16, 2023 10:39 am
Start 2
mrock CommentedDec 16, 2023 10:44 am
Najee and Walker
Nerd CommentedDec 16, 2023 10:49 am
Walker and Harris are the chalky picks and I would roll with them. Good luck!
jamisdiablo CommentedDec 16, 2023 11:44 am
walker mckinnon
Jonathan B Shoffit CommentedDec 16, 2023 10:35 am
PPR, start two, J. Jefferson, Z. Flowers, D. Smith
Everett S CommentedDec 16, 2023 10:40 am
Jefferson and smith
mrock CommentedDec 16, 2023 10:44 am
Jefferson and Smith
Nerd CommentedDec 16, 2023 10:50 am
For me, it's JJ and Smith. Good luck!
jamisdiablo CommentedDec 16, 2023 11:43 am
jeff. smith
jamisdiablo CommentedDec 16, 2023 11:43 am
london if healthy
jamisdiablo CommentedDec 16, 2023 11:43 am
frier
Infamous88 CommentedDec 16, 2023 11:40 am
Dropping this in the ether:
Chig or Tayson for TE?
Kenneth Walker or OBJ in the flex?
PPR
jamisdiablo CommentedDec 17, 2023 12:05 pm
ridley
jamisdiablo CommentedDec 17, 2023 10:51 am
PPR… stick with Achane if he’s active or Scary Terry? who’s the higher ceiling? also, cleveland or atlanta? thanks!
spittdogg CommentedDec 17, 2023 11:10 am
If Olave doesn't play, who would you start in the flex of PPR league: Amari Cooper, James Cook, DeVon Achane (assuming he plays)?
jamisdiablo CommentedDec 17, 2023 12:13 pm
cooper
jamisdiablo CommentedDec 17, 2023 12:48 pm
PPR… stick with Achane or Scary Terry? who’s the higher ceiling? also, cleveland or atlanta? thanks!
Nerd CommentedDec 17, 2023 12:55 pm
I'm sticking with Achane. CLE for me. Good luck!
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